The Leeds Building Society is working with UK law firm Irwin Mitchell to offer help and guidance in legal affairs around probate and estate administration.
This service also will be available to Society colleagues and non-members.
Irwin Mitchell’s UK-based legally-qualified specialists are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for a free, no-obligation initial telephone consultation to provide guidance and support.
The customer can then choose to take as much or as little assistance as they require, depending on their individual needs, and there is a clear scale of fixed fees, which are agreed upfront.
“Dealing with a loved one’s estate after their death can be challenging, particularly at a time of significant distress,” said Jaedon Green, Leeds Building Society’s director of product and distribution.
“As an extension to our current service, we are pleased to be entering into a partnership with Irwin Mitchell to offer members additional support during this difficult time.
“Irwin Mitchell share similar values to our Society and this, in addition to their professional expertise, was one of the reasons we chose them as a partner for this sensitive work.”
Gillian Coverley, Irwin Mitchell partner and probate specialist, said: “Leeds Building Society is an excellent partner for us because we share the same values that focus on providing a high quality service for clients.
“This is also an important agreement for Irwin Mitchell because it demonstrates how Leeds Building Society recognises the service that we can offer members and their families at a difficult time in their lives when many need support and expert guidance.
“Obtaining a Grant of probate, or Confirmation in Scotland, is a legal requirement before a deceased person’s estate can be settled and divided among beneficiaries. Administering an estate can often take months – and sometimes years if the estate is complex.
“The work will be done during a period of emotional turmoil and executors can also be financially liable for any mistakes they make. Many people simply do not know what they have to do and that is why the services of experienced estates and probate solicitors can prove so valuable.”
In addition, access to a free bereavement counselling service through Cruse Bereavement Care is available.